Lady Sui Yi and the umbrella artisan.

A long time ago, a little child was fascinated by the grace of a lady holding an umbrella.

He was amazed how much can this accessory change the appearance of its holder, how much elegance and protection can confer. From that moment he decided to create his own masterpieces, to be an umbrella manufacturer.

At the age of sixteen, he left his village and moved into another place to be the apprentice of an old umbrella manufacturer.

Untill the age of twenty, he learned all the secrets he needed to know.

Having a talented apprentice was a blessing for the old man who had no children to pass on this knowledge.

After the old man's retirement, the young man inherited the store.

One day, he received an order from a famous family, they wanted to buy the most beautiful and unique umbrella as a birthday present for the young lady of the house.

He created something unique and sent it to the minister's residence.

They spent a huge amount of money on it and sent compliments to the shop master.

At the minister's residence, Lady Sui Yi, the only daughter of the war minister.

Sui Yi: Look Ji, it's a wonderful gift!

How do I look?

Ji Wu (maid): It suits your grace, my lady!

Sui Yi: I never saw such a delicate and graceful art work before. The master must be an experienced old man!

Ji Wu: Probably...

Sui Yi: I'm so happy!

How do I look my dear Ji?

Ji Wu: Glamorous!

Sui Yi: Soon will be my cousin's birthday and I was thinking to prepare a small gift for her.

Do you think that a beautiful umbrella would please her?

Ji Wu: If it is as beautiful as this one, yes!

Sui Yi: Do you know where the store is?

Ji Wu: I don't know but I'll ask around.

Sui Yi: I want to pay a visit tomorrow.

Ji Wu: Yes, my lady!

The next day....

Sui Yi: We're here! Are you sure that this is the place?

Ji Wu: Absolute sure!

In front of them was a lively decorated small yard paved with a stone alley, some tables and chairs distributed on the both sides, a small house and many hanged umbrellas.

The inside of the yard was like a rainbow.

Sui Yi: Amazing!

A strong smell of paper and ink was coming from inside the house.

Sui Yi: Is anybody home?

Old man: Who is asking?

Sui Yi: Greetings, master!

I'm Minister Cao's daughter, Cao Sui Yi!

A few days ago our house ordered an umbrella and I was wondering if you can make me a new one?

Old man: It's something wrong with it, you do like it?

Sui Yi: Oh..no, I like it very much!

It's the most graceful thing I have ever seen.

I just need one more for my cousin.

Old man: I see.

My adopted son is taking care of this business right now.

If you can wait a bit untill he gets back, he will definitely make something beautiful for your cousin.

Sui Yi: Thank you old master!

The lady and her maid takes a sit at one of the tables.

After half an hour an young and very beautiful man comes into the yard.

Old man: Lao, Lao come here!

We have visitors!

The women blushed looking at the young master who was approaching them.

Lao Sheng: Greetings my ladies, I'm young master Lao Sheng!

What can I do for you?

Sui Yi: Good day master Sheng!

I'm very amazed by your skills and talent, so I want to ask you to make a new umbrella for me. (shy)

Lao Sheng: Of course!

Do you have any preference?

Sui Yi: It's for my cousin, she likes Autumn very much so maybe you can create something that describes the Autumn feeling.

Lao Sheng: Yes.

When do you need it?

Sui Yi: In two months.

Lao Sheng: I need just one month.

Sui Yi: Can I visit you during this time to see how the work goes on?

Lao Sheng: If this isn't too boring for a lady with your statute, you're my guest!

Sui Yi: Oh..not at all!

How can it be boring, I love all these colours?

Lao Sheng: Take care on your way back, Lady Sui Yi!

Lao Sheng: See you soon, master Sheng!

The women went out of the yard and headed to the carriage.

Inside the carriage, Sui Yi was gazing at the people on the street.

Ji Wu: My lady, your gift will be ready very soon. I'm sure that it will please your cousin!

Sui Yi: Of course!

Master Sheng's works are extraordinary!

Ji Wu: If he were a high ranked official, maybe he could have asked for your hand but as an artisan, he won't even have a chance.

Sui Yi: Ji, Master Sheng is a honourable man and beside that, I don't think that he is thinking about marriage yet.

Ji Wu: I was just saying, don't get angry my lady.

Anyway it's better for him to court ordinary girls.

Sui Yi: Fine, fine....

The women finally arrived at Cao residence and continued their daily activities.

After five days, Sui Yi went to visit the artisan's house alone.

Sui Yi: Good morning!

Are you inside, master Sheng?

Lao: Yes, come in!

Sui Yi: How are the things going?

Have you decided what to do?

Lao: Yes (heading her a drawing)!

What do you think?

Sui Yi: I like it!

Lao: Do you like painting?

Sui Yi: Very much!

Lao: Do you wanna try?

Sui Yi: I don't want to ruin your work.

Lao: But I insist to see your talent, Miss Cao!

Sui Yi: Ok!

She painted some birds on a blossomed branch...and butterflies.

Lao: You are very talented!

Sui Yi: Thank you Mr Sheng!

Frankly speaking, I'm very interested in this kind of work and I want to learn more about it, if master Sheng will allow me to tag along.

Lao: Call me Lao, simply Lao!

Sui Yi: How can I...?

Lao: I'm just an artist, why should you be embarrassed?

Sui Yi: It doesn't matter your statute, as long as you're an amazing person. I think that you are great!

Lao: Thanks...

And you're a honest lady!

If the time allows you, you can come with me tomorrow to pick the materials needed for this work.

Sui Yi: Sure, I'll come!

Later she went back. The next day came and Sui Yi was already in front of Lao's house.

Lao: Let's go!

Day after day passed and they spent a lot of time together. They became very intimate with each other. Actually Sui Yi fell in love with Lao at first sight that's way she insisted to supervise the work.

During this time, he became attached of her figure and sensibly. She was a beautiful and delicate young girl.

They fell in love with each other and promised to get married.

At the birthday banquet of her cousin, a respected official proposed to her and asked for her hand. Minister Cao was more than pleased but she angrily refused.

The minister didn't know about her love affair yet. One day, Ji Wu who was also interested in the artisan, told Minister Cao about her daughter adventure.

Sui Yi was punished to stay in her room until her wedding.

The weddings was in three months.

Lao was heartbroken hearing the news about her lover's wedding.

Ji Wu tried to console him paying short visits but it was pointless. At some point, he refused to see anyone.

Suddenly a war appeared and many men were enrolling in the army. Knowing that he has no chance to marry Sui Yi, he went to war.

Sui Yi's father and her future husband also enrolled.

In this horrible environment, Sui Yi's future husband lost his life and her father would have died if a young man would not have saved him.

After this incident her father gave her freedom back and promised not to intervene with her marriage again.

She run to the umbrella store but only found the old man who told her that his son is on the battlefield.

After a year, he came back and found out that she hasn't married yet, so he sent her a letter.

She rushed out of her residence to meet him.

After such a long period of time and so many sufferings, they have meet again.

Sui Yi: My dear Lao!

You're back!

Why have you left me alone?

Lao: Because I couldn't change our fate.

How could I have watched how another man touches you?

I wanted to die there.

Sui Yi: Don't say that, I can't live if you're not breathing!

Lao: I'll never leave you again. I'll hold you in my arms and heart forever, even after death.

Sui Yi: My only love....

Day and night I longed to hear these words from your lips.

They passionately hugged, kissed and looked in each other's eyes...

Sui Yi: Look at this place!

The old man couldn't take care of it.

Lao: Don't worry, it will be lively again and full of hanged umbrellas. I will ask your hand from your father.

Let's get married?

Sui Yi: Yes!

Lao and Sui Yi went straigth to Minister Cao's residence....

Lao: I request an audience from the war minister Cao.

Housekeeper: Please go in!

Lao: Greetings minister Cao!

I'm Lao Sheng, I came today to ask your daughter's hand.

Minister Cao: You're that artisan?

Lao: Yes. Master Lao Sheng.

Minister Cao: ....and also the officer who saved my life in the late war.

Lao: ...(silence)...

I know that I don't have a strong background and I can't offer luxury to your daughter but we truly love each other.

I promise to always protect her!

Minister Cao: Then...what can you give her?

Lao: Freedom and love!

Minister Cao: You're a courageous and honest young man!

I haven't thanked you for saving my life yet!

Lao:...then?

Minister Cao: If she agrees, we can hold the wedding tomorrow!

Lao: Thank you sir!

Minister Cao:....laughing and touching his chin...

The wedding banquet held three days and everyone was happy for Sui Yi.

Only Ji Wu suddenly left her tasks and left who knows where.

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